SJ to bring striker Sealy back aboard

The San Jose Earthquakes plan to have a new striker in the fold before their next match. Or, more precisely, an old striker making his return.

A team source told MLSsoccer.com on Thursday that the Quakes have reached an agreement to bring back Trinidad and Tobago international Scott Sealy, who chalked up three goals and three assists during a 14-match stint with San Jose in 2008.

Sealy, who scored a combined 26 goals in his first three MLS seasons (2005-07) as a member of the Kansas City Wizards, jumped to Maccabi Tel Aviv last season for a more lucrative offer, but has been on the free agent market this year.

“Scott’s a proven goal-scorer in this league,” Quakes defender Jason Hernandez said. “He’s a guy who can possess the ball, he’s great around the box and he’s a smart player. Having Scott around here will definitely increase our opportunities to score goals, and he’s a good guy to have in the locker room.”

The deal is not expected to be completed until next week as Sealy sorts out his visa issues, which is not a problem for the Earthquakes since they don't play again until April 10 in Chicago. San Jose will have to waive a player in order to make room on the 24-man roster for Sealy, which is bad news for the younger players without enough MLS experience to have earned guaranteed contracts under the league’s new collective bargaining agreement.

Several Quakes fit that bill, although rookie midfielder Brad Ring might be in the most danger because of bad timing. Ring suffered a strained left hamstring in San Jose’s 0-0 exhibition draw with Houston on March 18 and although he worked out individually on Thursday, he still has yet to return to full practicing, let alone get back into match fitness.